Sharp Community Medical Group
Preparing to Visit Your Primary Care Doctor
Making the most of your doctor visit.
At Sharp Community Medical Group, we believe that a great relationship with your doctor is essential to continuing good health.
Your primary care doctor is your "personal" doctor. Doctors who specialize in family practice, internal medicine, general practice and pediatrics are all considered primary care doctors.
Your doctor will become familiar with your health history and coordinate all your health care. Coordination of care involves deliberately organizing your health care, sharing information among everyone concerned with your care and referring you to specialty doctors. This ensures that your needs and preferences are communicated at the right time to the right people - providing you with safe, appropriate and effective care.
You can change doctors at any time. While it's a good idea to stay with a primary care doctor so he or she can really get to know you and your health needs, it's most important to have a doctor you trust and are comfortable with who is conveniently located near you.
If you don't have a Sharp Community primary care doctor, search for a Sharp Community doctor or call us at 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.
How to prepare and what to bring.
Before your visit, make sure that any previous medical records are available for review by your primary care doctor.
During your visit, your doctor will need to know your prior medical history, including information regarding your past illnesses, conditions and treatments. You must also inform your doctor of all prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications you are currently taking or may have taken in the past. Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you may have or any adverse reactions to medications you have experienced. And to ensure a productive visit, bring a list of any questions or health concerns you'd like to discuss with your doctor.
By taking charge of your health, you're able to have a more productive visit with your doctor.
We'll help find the doctor who's right for you.
View Sharp Community doctors in San Diego.